Gripen E: Designed To Be Future-Proof

Designed To Be Future Proof

GripenStory

21 June 2016

Pilots like nothing better than having the latest fighter, but few pilots ever fly a plane capable of evolving to meet an uncertain future.

Able to supercruise, and equipped with a weapons system that is more flexible than ever before, the Gripen E has much to recommend it. It has an enviable 10-minute operational turnaround time and is part of a fighter program on time and on budget – a matter of pride to Saab and a rarity in the industry. However, the truly impressive features of the Gripen E are hidden deep within the plane’s design.

A Step Ahead

Split avionics and a modular system ensure that Gripen E will always be mission-ready. “Computers, processors and electronics are continuously developing and it’s important that you can upgrade these as new tech emerges on the market,” says Saab’s Wing Commander Flying and Gripen test pilot Hans Einerth. The Gripen E system was specifically developed with future progress in mind. By managing to isolate systems affecting the core flight abilities, the plane’s split avionics system allows for the integration of off-the-shelf products.

“The future pilot will need the ability to continuously upgrade the hardware and software and not get stuck in old functionality; this is of increasing importance,” explains Einerth. Early in the development process both Gripen engineers and strategists knew that an upgradeable system would ensure that the fighter would maintain the necessary technological edge in ever-evolving battle scenarios.

Advanced Algorithms

Focusing on the system’s software Einerth is keen to underline the importance of the ability to update Gripen’s algorithms to get full use of the airplanes state of the art sensors and datalinks. “Detection and tracking algorithms in our sensors need to be constantly upgraded, as well as the sensors which are using information from different platforms and different sensors.” The algorithm upgrades aid the Electronic Warfare systems and target tracking (both the Raven ES-05 AESA Radar and the infra-red search and track – IRST). “The radar will still be our main sensor in the future and it’s important to be able to update the radar’s detection and tracking algorithms."

Gripen – Constantly Evolving

In an uncertain future one certainty is that the pilots with the most up-to-date intelligent systems will be the ones with the leading edge. Gripen is a smart fighter, built to evolve and has its systems ready to be upgraded for any eventuality. An evolutionary mindset has been at the core of Gripen.

Last updated: 24 November 2016 • 11:50

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The challenge of every Air Force, from acquisition to boneyard, is that of cost. Fighter aircraft need to be at the cutting edge of technology. At the same time, they need to fit into national budgets and be frugal in operations and maintenance. Countries like India, with a very large expanse of sea and land boundaries which are vulnerable from many sides, need that many more aircraft in the air. All this thinking went into Gripen from its very inception.

To ensure success, air force operations rely on an intricate web of support activities. One is the ability to perform aircraft maintenance wherever necessary, thereby ensuring that the system issued to deployed task forces is ready for operational use.

The Indian Government is looking for an international defence partner to build a new generation of fighter jet on Indian soil. Saab is ready to take up the challenge with its Gripen fighter and a revolutionary technology-transfer approach to cooperation.